As we move past the halfway mark of Term 1, I’ve been reflecting on a powerful question: what does it mean to be inspired?

When we think about inspiration, we often turn to well-known figures—Cathy Freeman, Nelson Mandela, Mahatma Gandhi, or Jacinda Ardern—people whose achievements have changed the world. But inspiration isn’t just about grand gestures. It’s also found in the everyday moments that shape us, in the people around us, and in the way their actions influence our own.

This reflection started as I looked at one of the student opinion survey questions: “My teachers are inspiring.” I wondered—what does inspiration actually mean to our students? After asking them, I discovered that their ideas were both varied and insightful.

Many students spoke about teachers who "mix it up"—who use different teaching methods to keep lessons engaging. Others mentioned teachers who take time to help when they’re stuck, show compassion on tough days, or simply check in with them as people, not just as students. Inspiration, for many, comes from feeling seen and supported.

A common theme was how students are inspired by teachers who genuinely enjoy being in the classroom, who bring energy and positivity, and who actively build relationships. One student summed it up beautifully: “Your aura fills the room before the students do.” That idea—that a teacher’s presence and passion set the tone—really stood out to me.

What struck me most was that every student I spoke to could name a teacher who had inspired them. And it wasn’t because of flashy lessons or dramatic moments, but because of the small, everyday things that make a difference—patience, encouragement, connection.

This shifted my own thinking about inspiration. When I consider what drives me to improve, to create new programs, or to adjust strategies, it’s not abstract ideas—it’s the people around me. It’s watching a student wrestle with a tough concept in Maths and finding new ways to help them connect with it. It’s seeing staff collaborate to support students, sparking new approaches and solutions. It’s hearing from families about what works for their young people and using that insight to strengthen what we do here at school.

Inspiration, I’ve realised, is everywhere in our community. It’s in the curiosity of our students, the compassion of our teachers, and the way we all come together as a community to support one another.

So, I encourage you to reflect on this: what inspires you? Who or what drives you to grow, to change, to improve? I’d love to hear your thoughts—because inspiration is something we create together.

Kerryn Sandford

College Principal

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